April 17, 2018 (Carleton Place, ON) - The Carleton Place High School Drama Team represented their school and the Upper Canada District School Board well at the Ontario East Regional Drama Festival held in Perth from April 11 – April 13. The school was one of two that claimed the top prize of an Outstanding Production award, which gives them access to the provincial showcase.

The provincial competition is to be held in Cambridge, Ontario from May 9 –12, 2018. Some of the awards at this festival are linked to scholarships or hold monetary value.

“This is a massive opportunity for these kids. The provincial competition will have professionals from the industry available to work with them each day during workshop on a variety of skills… from acting to screenwriting,” explained the school’s drama teacher and coach Heather Mortimer. “It’s a very elite group that makes it to the provincial level. Many, many hours have been put into this production. The students have shown incredible commitment to this.”

In addition to the Outstanding Production award, Student Director Shamus Merkley earned an Award of Excellence for his work. Kristian Johnson also received an Award of Excellence for his acting skills in three different roles in the show.

Previous to this win, the team won an Outstanding Production award at the district level, with Johnson, Merkley and Hailey Lafleur Belle all receiving individual Awards of Merit and Distinction. The costuming team also won an Award of Excellence at this showcase.

For more information contact:Eric Hardie
Principal
Carleton Place District High School
613 257 2720